This spring we have seen yet another excellent showcase of San Marcos athlete’s talent and dedication in various sports. From the field to the court, success has been dramatic for the sports year of 2022. Let’s take a look at each of these sports and how the season went.
The baseball team rallied for an incredible season boasting an impressive record of nine wins and one loss in the channel league, bringing home the title. Division 1 commits Chase Hoover (senior) and Cole Schoenwetter (junior) set the team on the track to success. Their dominant season put them in a good place for CIF, but round one presented our Royals with the exceptionally tough baseball team of Loyola. This game ended in a heart-breaking come from behind loss for our team, bringing an amazing season to a close.
Over on the field, girls lacrosse had a similarly successful season. The LAX team ended up in second place in the channel league, with a solid record of 13-6. A notable victory included the 19-0 domination against our cross-town rivals, Santa Barbara High.
Now to the court, boys volleyball certainly had a season to remember. With the departure of eleven seniors last year, the team had to step up. Led by captains Zach Willbanks (senior), Aiden Pazier (senior), and Hansen Streeter (junior), the team took first place in the channel league, beating Santa Barbara High in a league match for the first time since 2014. With a record of 26-8 overall, the Royals had grown stronger and stronger throughout the season. The Royals beat Valencia, Notre Dame, and Long Beach Wilson in CIF and had a tough loss to Tesoro in the semi-finals.
Boy’s golf had a good season as well. The Royals brought home the channel league title. D1 commit Leo Metzger won the individual Channel League title. Athlete Shams Jahangir-Arshad made it through to the second round of CIF finals and will continue to battle it out with the top golfers in the upcoming weeks.
Softball had an exciting season with a good league record of 11-4. Unfortunately, their first round of CIF was also their last when they were matched up against a strong team from Moorpark. The softball team was completely undefeated during their home games.
The boy’s lacrosse team had an overall record of 7-10 and placed 3rd in the Channel League. Team captain Tyler Hughes (junior), a top scorer in the season of 22’, said, “Throughout the season, the team experienced a lot of adversity with injuries and sickness that led to some struggle in the beginning, but by the end of the season, we were all playing our hearts out led by the amazing efforts of our seniors.” Their season ended with a loss to JRSerra.
Over on the tennis court, the boys had a good season. They placed first in Channel League and were top seeded in D1. Unfortunately, the team lost in the CIF quarterfinals. Jedd Reanwall was crowned Channel League individual champion.
Boys track and field set new records in the spring, with the 4×400 team composed of runners Jonas Strand, Justin Hess, Julian Hicks, and Jacob Snodgress. They broke the record for fastest time in school history. Jacob Snodgress also broke the school 800m record, which was last set over 30 years ago in 1991. Ethan Dwelley will continue to CIF finals in the 800, as well as Lucas Chin with the triple jump.
Girls track and field also took home the channel league title. Star athlete Mackenzie Fauver qualified for three CIF events: 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, and the 4×400 relay with her team including Ava Carter, Kiala Haas, and Celina Zambranos.
Standout diver Ben Webber (senior) delivers this statement about the dive season, “I really enjoyed the effort all the boys put in this season, when we showed up to practice we worked and it showed on our meets.” Webber finished 13th in the channel league for the 50 free with a personal record of 23.9. Jack Cunnison won the individual Channel League title this year.
Girls swim had a successful season this year in the pool, bringing home the league title. “We had a great season and were stoked to come out of it as channel league champions. To have several swimmers continue on and qualify for D1 CIF finals and from there qualify for State Championships this weekend (13th-14th) is very special. I’m so thankful that I get to be a part of a team that never fails in firing each other up before every race,” reports Ava Stryker, a stud athlete on the team. Sierra Tallman is going to state finals for the 200 free. Ava Stryker, Sophia Pannosion, Holly Woodhouse, and Sierra Tallman will also compete in the state finals in the 200 and 400 relays.
Boys swim athlete Matthew Demboski reflects on the season, “Our season went well. We were very successful in all of our meets, and everyone improved dramatically throughout the season. We won league which was very exciting, and were able to compete in the highest level of competition for division 2.” Swimmer Jaran Depew took home an individual league title in the 500 freestyle.
Finally, girls beach volleyball had an outstanding season, and they brought home the league title, with a record of 17-2.
Overall, it has been nothing less than inspiring to see the Royals commitment and domination in the various sports this season. We wish the best of luck to those continuing to compete in CIF, and give our appreciation to those who fought hard during the Spring season.
Sports Editor
